Bridgepoint Education

Infobox_Company
company_name = Bridgepoint Education
company_type = Private
foundation = 1999
location = San Diego, CA, USA
key_people = Andrew Clark, CEO
homepage = [http://www.bridgepointeducation.com www.bridgepointeducation.com]
industry = Higher Education

Bridgepoint Education, a San Diego, California-based private company since 1999, was founded on the principle that those who are academically prepared deserve access to an affordable higher education without sacrificing quality, transferability of credits, accessibility or academic standards. Bridgepoint Education is dedicated to those seeking flexible, high-quality choices in higher education.
As an independent, higher education company, Bridgepoint owns and operates two education institutions: Ashford University and University of the Rockies. Both Bridgepoint Education subsidiaries are regionally accredited and provide traditional and online education programs. Bridgepoint Education subsidiaries offer academic programs at the Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degree levels.
In 2008, Bridgepoint Education was named the fastest-growing private education company in the United States, as well as the fastest-growing private company in San Diego by Inc. Magazine. [ [http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2007/company-profile.html?id=200700170] ]
Bridgepoint built its corporate culture around its core values: ethics, integrity, service and accountability.
• "Ethics" is a central part of employee training and is reinforced on a daily basis.
• "Integrity" - in the way Bridgepoint’s faculty, staff and employees treat both internal and external constituents - is paramount to Bridgepoint’s success.
• Bridgepoint expects and recognizes "service" at the highest level.
• Employee "accountability" to coworkers, students and the role each plays within the organization has allowed Bridgepoint Education to cultivate a high-quality management team.

History

Bridgepoint Education was founded in 1999 to provide affordable and accessible university education to working adults and other non-traditional students. In March 2005, Bridgepoint acquired Ashford University, and in September 2007, Bridgepoint obtained the Colorado School of Professional Psychology, changing its name to University of the Rockies.

Ashford University

Founded in 1918 and based in Clinton, Iowa, Ashford University [ [http://www.ashford.edu] ] is a regionally accredited university with a long history of providing high-quality education. Ashford offers programs at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels, both on-campus and online. The mission of Ashford University is to provide accessible, affordable, innovative, high-quality learning opportunities and degree programs that meet the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their lives, professions, and communities. Ashford provides both its traditional and online students with the ability to connect to the history and traditions of a brick and mortar campus, while enjoying the flexibility of an online learning experience. The 16-acre university campus features seven buildings designed to meet students’ academic, athletic and social needs. Also on campus are 13 men’s and women’s athletic teams, as well as 17 student organizations.
Ashford University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools [ [http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/] ] . Accreditation by the Commission provides assurance to prospective students that Ashford University meets the Commission's stated requirements and criteria. Visit www.ncahlc.org/ to learn more.

University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies [ [http://www.rockies.edu] ] was founded June 18, 1998 as the Colorado School of Professional Psychology (COSPP) to provide a professional graduate education in psychology to individuals who seek licensure as psychologists or want to practice in other areas of the profession. When COSPP was purchased by Bridgepoint Education in September, 2007, the name was changed to University of the Rockies. The Colorado School of Professional Psychology is now a school of the University of the Rockies.University of the Rockies offers the Master of Arts in Psychology degree with three specialization options: Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counselor, and Organizational Leadership. University of the Rockies also offers the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree with two specialization options: Clinical or Organizational Leadership. University of the Rockies offers both on-campus and online programs.
The mission of University of the Rockies is to provide high-quality, accessible learning opportunities globally for diverse groups of individuals seeking preparation for life goals, professional practice, service, and distinguished leadership.University of the Rockies is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges [ [http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/] ] and Schools. Accreditation by the commission provides assurance to prospective students that University of the Rockies meets the commission's stated requirements and criteria. Visit www.ncahlc.org/ to learn more.

Community Giving

Bridgepoint Education is proud to be a good corporate citizen. As an active and recognized member of the global economy, Bridgepoint takes seriously its responsibility to support the challenges faced by the community, and to enrich the lives and communities the company serves. At the heart of this obligation is Bridgepoint’s enthusiastic financial support of charitable institutions benefiting educational opportunity scholarships, teachers and children.
Bridgepoint Education provides notable philanthropic support for many charitable organizations, including: Junior Achievement, Polinsky Center, Child Abuse Foundation, San Diego Economic Development Group, San Diego Chamber of Commerce, Clinton Chamber of Commerce, American Heart Association, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Make-a-Wish Foundation, San Diego Symphony, American Red Cross, Kids Day America, Clinton Symphony, March of Dimes, KnowHow2Go, United Way, Easter Seals and YWCA. In an effort to build a safer, healthier, happier and more capable world, Bridgepoint will continue to provide financial assistance to select non-profit organizations each year.

References

1. Inc.com Business Rankings [http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2008/lists/education-companies.html?o=0&c=200800140]
2. Ashford University website [http://www.ashford.edu]
3. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools website [http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/]
4. University of the Rockies [http://www.rockies.edu]
5. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools website [http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/]

External Links

* Bridgepoint Education Corporate website [http://www.bridgepointeducation.com]
* Official Ashford University website [http://www.ashford.edu]
* Official University of the Rockies website [http://www.rockies.edu]
* bizSanDiego News Article: Bridgepoint is Fastest Growing Private Education Company in the U.S. [http://www.bizsandiego.com/bizbuz-details-705.shtml]
* Inc.com News Article: Bridgepoint Named in 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies [http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2008/company-profile.html?id=200800140]
* Inc.com News Artilce: Andrew Clark, Business Profile [http://www.inc.com/magazine/20080901/how-i-did-it-andrew-clark-bridgepoint-education.html]
* News Release: 14th Fastest Growing Company in the U.S. [http://www.bridgepointeducation.com/news/entry.php?id=37]
* News Release: Andrew Clark Named bizSanDiego CEO of the Year [http://www.bridgepointeducation.com/news/entry.php?id=31]
* News Release: Andrew Clark Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year [http://www.bridgepointeducation.com/news/entry.php?id=30]